Controller of Budget Dr. Margaret Nyakang'o has been arrested in Mombasa following a complaint filed against her and 10 other individuals in 2019 and 2020.

The arrest, made during a public event in Mombasa, is in connection to charges including conspiracy to defraud, operating a Sacco without a license, forgery, and uttering a false document.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) approved the charges in a letter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on November 30.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Jacinta Nyamosi issued a notice, stating, "Nyakang'o is among eleven individuals set to face four charges, including conspiracy to defraud and operating a Sacco without a license contrary to the law."

The charges also encompass forgery and uttering a false document, as per section 353 of the Penal Code.

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The ODPP emphasized that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the charges, noting the complainant's submission on October 31, 2023.

Upon reviewing the documents, the ODPP found substantial evidence, prompting a resubmission of the case for further directions.

"The file was again resubmitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions through a letter dated October 31, 2023, for further directions, and upon perusal of the new evidence, we find that the following persons are criminally culpable," the ODPP stated.

Efforts to apprehend the remaining individuals involved in the case are ongoing, according to officials.

Margaret Nyakang'o assumed office as the Controller of Budget in June 2020 and has been a prominent figure in addressing public expenditure concerns.

Recently, she raised alarms about the weakening shilling against the dollar, leading to a surge in public debt.

In her National Government Budget Implementation Review Report for 2022/23, Nyakang'o highlighted the vulnerability of the country to currency fluctuations, expressing concerns about the potential impact on loan repayments and the government's fiscal space.

The arrest of such a key figure in Kenya's financial oversight adds a significant dimension to the ongoing investigation, raising questions about the potential implications for public financial management and the oversight role of the Controller of Budget.